Mistissini Protected Areas
The Cree Communities of Eeyou Istchee and the Cree Nation Government have taken the initiative to develop a conservation strategy to meet our goals and achieve our dream of keeping our lands healthy for future generations. We have identified areas of cultural and ecological importance to be established as protected areas recognized by the Quebec government and under international standards.
Assinica National Park
The Assinica National Park Reserve was created in 2011 through the Paix des Braves Agreement between the Quebec government and the Cree Nation Government. The Quebec National Park is located about 20 kilometers north of the Cree community of Oujé-Bougoumou and north of the towns of Chapais and Chibougamau. Nearly one-fifth of its area is occupied by bodies of water, many of which are renowned for fishing, while others are for long canoe expeditions.
Chisesaakahikan and Broadback River Biodiversity Reserve
Chisesaakahikan and Broadback River Biodiversity Reserve is located in the administrative region of Nord-du-Québec. It is approximately 150 km northeast of the city of Matagami, between 50°41’ and 51°17’ north latitude and between 75°49’ and 77°26’ west longitude. The boundaries of the area straddle the territories of the Cree Nation of Nemaska, Waswanipi Cree First Nation, and the Cree Nation of Mistissini. It covers an area of 4,977.9 km².
Clérac Lake Drumlins Biodiversity Reserve
The proposed Clérac lake drumlins biodiversity reserve is located in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean administrative region, between 50°26’ and 50°44’ north latitude and 72°42’ and 73°06’ west longitude. It is situated a little over thirty kilometres south-east of Albanel Lake. It covers an area of 375.4 km² and lies within the territory of the Cree Nation of Mistissini.
Hirondelle Biodiversity Reserve
The Hirondelle Biodiversity Reserve is located in the administrative region of Nord-du-Québec, between 52°50’36’’ and 53°01’08’’ latitude north and 71°29’15’’ and 71°53’17’’ longitude west. It is located approximately 300 km northeast of the Cree community of Mistissini. The biodiversity reserve covers an area of 322.0 km².
Nibiischii National Park
In partnership with the Cree Nation of Mistissini, the Government of Québec is working on the creation of the Nibiischii National Park. The park project will bring to the fore the natural, cultural, and historic heritage of this vast area of over 11,000 km2.